Jack was only two years old when his dad was murdered (Picture: PA)

The son of Lee Rigby, who was murdered by Islamic extremists in 2013, has fundraised more than £40,000 to help other bereaved forces children.

To mark the tenth anniversary of his death, Jack decided to take part in Scotty’s May Marathon – and has already surpassed his target ‘to raise £1,000 for every year my dad has been gone’.

His dad – a British Army soldier who as serving in the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers – was attacked near the Woolwich Barracks, in south-east London, where he was stationed.

While crossing a road he was reportedly targeted for wearing a Help For Heroes jumper and hit by a car driven by Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale.

10-month-old Jack with his dad Lee in Tenerife (Picture: PA)

Jack holding a photo of his dad Lee (Picture: PA)

The pair then fled the vehicle only to attack the 25-year-old with knives, trying to behead him.

The attackers remained at the scene and told people they attacked Rigby because of all the Muslims killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

At the time, his son was just two years old. Ever since his dad’s murder, Jack has been supported by Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity for bereaved military children.

In a video thanking those who have donated to the fundraiser, his mum Rebecca said: ‘The amount that has been raised so far is absolutely phenomenal and I am immensely proud of Jack for everything that he is doing to raise funds and awareness for Scotty’s, and to do something positive in Lee’s name.

Jack with his mum Rebecca at BBC One’s Festival of Remembrance 2022 (Picture: PA)

Toddler Jack arriving for his dad’s funeral service at Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester (Picture: PA)

‘May’s not an easy time for us and doing this is really helping Jack to get through this difficult period, so thank you.’

Jack, who now lives in Halifax, West Yorkshire, said he wanted to take part in the charity drive because ‘Scotty’s makes me feel proud’.

The 12-year-old added: ‘It helps to know I’m not the only one in my situation and that there’s people I can reach out and talk to, whenever I need them.’

The Rigbys have used respite breaks organised by Scotty’s to take some time away and make new memories.

They have also attended a number of events, including the National Service of Remembrance and Scotty’s annual Christmas parties, where Jack has spent time with other children in his situation.

He has also been offered one-to-one bereavement support, and met the Duke of Sussex at a Buckingham Palace garden party in 2017.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].

For more stories like this, check our news page.

‘It helps to know I’m not the only one in my situation.’